Mummy Monday
Hi guys and welcome back to another mummy Monday!
Today we are going to go over key ages and stages and what they may or may not being doing and when to talk to your health nurse or doctor.
2 Weeks old:
Babies at this age have simple needs and wants: love, warmth, food and to be kept dry. During their first year babies grow and develop rapidly, secure in the comfort of their family and familiar surroundings.
Some things they may be doing
- Grasping your fingers when placed in hand.
- Startled by loud noises.
- Starting to focus on faces.
Some ideas for spending time with them
- Talk to me when I’m awake.
- Copy their sounds and expressions.
- Cuddle them. (who doesn’t love a good cuddle with their babies)
Talk to health nurse or doctor if:
- Not making any sounds.
- Not feeding well.
4 weeks old:
Babies are born ready to learn and are interested in the world around them. Good health and wellbeing are the basics for all learning and development.
Some things they may be doing
- Watching familiar faces when being fed or talked to.
- Lifting my head and turning it from side to side when being on tummy.
- Shutting eyes from bright lights.
Some ideas for spending time with them
- Copying sounds and expressions they make.
- Playing with them while they have tummy time.
- Bathing, singing and talking to them.
Talk to health nurse or doctor if:
- Not making and sounds.
- Not beginning to watch faces.
- Responding to bright lights.
- Not moving arms or legs.
8 weeks old:
Babies are constantly learning about the world and everything around them.
Some things they may be doing
- Smiling.
- Bringing my hands together.
- Making sounds like they are talking.
Some Ideas for spending time with them
- Singing and talking to them.
- Playing with them while they have tummy time.
- Going for walks.
Talk to the health nurse or doctor if:
- Not making sounds.
- Not beginning to smile.
- Not looking you in the eyes.
4 months old:
Babies are curious about the world. Lots of love, attention and different experience’s do wonders for their growth, learning and development. They enjoy floor play, cuddles and lots of eye contact.
Some things they may be doing
- Rolling from tummy to back on one side or maybe both.
- Lifting head high when playing on their tummy.
- Beginning to follow toys or people as they move around them.
Some ideas for playing with them
- Playing with them when having tummy time.
- Looking at books and reading together.
- Singing and talking to them.
Talk to health nurse or doctor if:
- Not responding to noises.
- Not making sounds.
- Not enjoying eye contact with you.
- Not lifting their head.
8 months old:
Babies find out about their world by touching, tasting, smelling, listening, grabbing, watching and moving around. They need lots of floor play and time on their tummies.
Some things they may be doing
- Sitting by themselves
- Putting toys in their mouth.
- Becoming a little worried about new faces around them.
Some ideas to play with them
- Play peek a boo.
- Playing on the floor – rolling and maybe starting to crawl around.
- Looking in the mirror.
Talk to health nurse or doctor if:
- Not enjoying eye contact with you.
- Not interested in sounds.
- Not babbling.
- Not able to roll over.
12 months old/ one year old:
One year olds are becoming more social and love to go for walks outdoors or just love being outdoors in general. They are starting to learn how to feed themselves and enjoy sharing family meal times.
Some things they may be doing
- Waving, pointing and clapping.
- Saying one or two clear words.
- Pulling themselves up on furniture to stand.
Some ideas to play with them
- Playing music, singing and dancing.
- Sharing books.
- Getting out and about.
Talk to health nurse or doctor if:
- Not enjoying eye contact or cuddles with you.
- Not interested in sounds.
- Not letting you know what they want.
- Not seeming to understand you.
- Not crawling or standing when holding things.
- Not pointing.
18 months old:
Eighteen months old are very busy exploring the world around them. Playgroups are a great place to meet others and share play ideas.
Some things they may be doing
- Walking.
- Saying 5 – 10 words.
- Feeding themselves.
Some ideas to play with them
- Exploring.
- Looking at books.
- Visiting the park.
Talk to health nurse or doctor if:
- Not enjoying eye contact or cuddles with you.
- Not coming to you for attention or comfort.
- Not understanding any words.
- Not pointing or waving.
- Not communicating with you.
- Not showing signs or pretend play.
- Not walking.
2 years old:
2 year olds are learning and becoming more independent. They love sharing their interests and enjoyment with you or anyone around them.
Some things they may be doing
- Copying you – like sweeping the floor.
- Dressing up.
- Saying at least 20 clear words (usually 50+) and putting words together.
- Having tantrums.
Some ideas for playing with them
- Talking with them.
- Drawing.
- Visiting the local park or library and playgroup.
Talk to health nurse or doctor if:
- Not coming to you for affection or comfort.
- Not understanding words.
- Not putting words together.
- Not enjoying pretend play.
- Not running.
3 and a half year olds.
Three and a half year olds are becoming increasingly independent and adventurous. They love to be involved and to help with cooking and even shopping.
Some things they may be doing
- Running and climbing stairs.
- Drawing and using scissors.
- Asking lots of questions.
Some ideas for playing with them
- Allowing them to try new things by themselves.
- Making up games.
- Sharing and telling stories.
Talk to health nurse or doctor if:
- Not talking clearly.
- Not able to talk in sentences.
- Not coming to you for affection or comfort.
- Not play imaginary games.
- Not playing with other children.
- Not drawing.
That’s it for today’s mummy Monday. If you have any questions or want to suggest anything for future mummy Mondays just send us a email and I’ll get back to you as quick as I can. Xx -j